Madison Reporter

The field at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Randall Stadium will soon be named for legendary former Wisconsin football coach and Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez, the university announced.

"Barry Alvarez has had an immeasurable impact on the UW-Madison campus and beyond in the state and in college sports," Chancellor Rebecca Blank said. "This type of career deserves recognition at the highest level."

More than 60 donors have contributed $13 million to the athletic program in honor of Alvarez, a news release said.

"In recognition of that support and in honor of Barry's legacy, beginning in the 2022 season this football field where we are currently standing will be known as 'Barry Alvarez Field' at Camp Randall Stadium," Blank said.

Alvarez retired June 30 after 32 years at the university. With a record of 119-74-4, he won more games than any other coach at Wisconsin including three Big Ten titles and three Rose Bowls, the news release said.

He retired from coaching in 2005 and was the university's athletics director for the next 18 seasons.

"That was quite a surprise. I'm touched. I'm honored," Alvarez said, according to the news release. "That means so much to me to have my name on this field. Thank you for this. For my name on the field, that is very touching and very meaningful to me."

He became a coach, "because so many coaches touched my life," he said. "I love my players. To have the opportunity to see so many players come back, to me, that's what I got into this for. It  wasn't about making money or having my name on the field."